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Baker & TaylorFollows the life story of an exuberant golden Labrador who gets into perpetual trouble and experiences a range of inspiring adventures, from comforting his human companions in the aftermath of a devastating miscarriage, to shutting down an entire beach, to guarding a seventeen-year-old neighbor in the aftermath of a stabbing attack. 100,000 first printing.

HARPERCOLL

The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and thewondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life

John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same.

Marley quickly grew into a barreling, ninety-seven-pound streamroller of a Labrador retriever, a dog like no other. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, flung drool on guests, stole women's undergarments, and ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including couches and fine jewelry. Obedience school did no good—Marley was expelled. Neither did the tranquilizers the veterinarian prescribed for him with the admonishment, "Don't hesitate to use these."

And yet Marley's heart was pure. Just as he joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. Marley shared the couple's joy at their first pregnancy, and their heartbreak over the miscarriage. He was there when babies finally arrived and when the screams of a seventeen-year-old stabbing victim pierced the night. Marley shut down a public beach and managed to land a role in a feature-length movie, always winning hearts as he made a mess of things. Through it all, he remained steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms.

Is it possible for humans to discover the key to happiness through a bigger-than-life, bad-boy dog? Just ask the Grogans.

Baker & TaylorFollows the life story of an exuberant Labrador retriever who gets into perpetual trouble and experiences a range of inspiring adventures, from shutting down an entire beach to guarding a seventeen-year-old neighbor after a stabbing attack.

A run-of-the-mill Hallmark movie. No doubt the book is far superior. The primary theme of the movie seems to be the unrelenting lack of common sense of the owners when it comes to dealing with dogs. You're half surprised that their children don't behave like wild savages. And, while only a tangential issue, you can't help wondering how they can afford to buy (or even rent!?) $500,000 to $800,000 homes on a journalist's salary.

You should read this book if: 1) You are or have been a dog owner; 2) You want to become a first-time dog owner; 3) You have neither owned a dog nor want to own a dog and don't understand dog lovers. I think that covers everyone now, doesn't it? Those who have loved and, especially, lost pets will feel a kinship with and understanding for this family. Those who want to bring a dog into their home for the first time will be educated and entertained, and I think ultimately encouraged rather than warned off. And those who don't understand "dog people" will experience what it is like to share your family with a dog--how they grab on to your hearts like a favourite chew toy and don't let go.